Celebrating Our Veterans

For 20 years, the veterans of Touro University California (TUC) have continually proven
themselves to be among the best that the university has to offer. Their presence has
been felt everywhere, from the first graduating class to the students on campus today.
They are members of our staff and faculty, and many continue to serve. They come from
all branches of the military and represent generations of service to our country.

If you are a TUC veteran or know someone else who would like to be featured, please
let us know at tuc.advancement@tu.edu

I initially joined the US Navy through the Health Professions Scholarship Program,
and upon graduating from family medicine internship went to flight school and aviation
medicine, deploying aboard the USS Kitty Hawk stationed in Japan, and was part of
the initial launch of Operation Iraqi Freedom. After two years I returned to complete
Family Medicine residency in Bremerton, WA, and was again stationed in Japan as a
staff physician. I transitioned to the US Public Health Service and served as Senior
Medical Executive and Flight Surgeon for District 11 with the Coast Guard.

Working with the Armed Forces has allowed me the privilege to serve those who put
their lives on the line for our country.

I have my family to thank for inspiring me to join the U.S. Navy. My uncles and great
uncles served in the Navy during WWII, but my grandfather, a Brigadier General for
the Army National Guard showed me what it means to live as a role model and helper
in his community. I knew that service to my country was an example I wanted to follow,
even before I chose to pursue my career in medicine. My goal is to serve just as my
grandfather did: by helping those in need and leading others to do the same.

- Ensign Nyssa BurdickUS NavyCOM 2020

I served for 4 years active duty in the US Army Intelligence & Security Command as
an Intelligence Analyst after being sent to the Defense Language Institute at the
Presidio of Monterey. I had the good fortune to be attached to an aviation unit in
Texas and we flew intel missions along our Southern national border as well as in
the Caribbean. I also had an overseas tour in Panama. In 1977 I placed 3rd in an All-Army Triathlon, along with winning many other athletic events. All of
us loved our country and served proudly. It helped me a lot. I encourage anyone
so inclined to serve! Just remember our objective is PEACE--not WAR.

Dr. Weber enlisted in the infantry in 1989, advancing from private to now a retired
LTC after 27 years in uniform for the Army. He has served many operational units (4th ID, 101st, 25th ID, 225 Avn Regiment and 13th MP company in Vincenza, Italy), x. With mentorship and guidance, he was accepted
and graduated from the United States Military Academy (USMA) at West Point in 1995,
commissioning in the Medical Service Corps.

As a member of the United States Air Force in the Health Professions Scholarship Program
at Touro it is my duty to build a solid foundation of medical knowledge enabling me
to continue forward in the life long process of medical education ensuring that my
patients receive the highest possible level of care. I am continually inspired by
the examples set forth by my peers and those who have served before me.

- 2nd Lieutenant Aaron SurbaughUS Air ForceCOM 2020

I started out in the Air Force as a Weapons Specialist. I joined the Air Force because
all my brothers and sisters did. The US Air Force gave my mother an award for her
contribution of her children when they found out that all seven of her children had
served. After 2.5 years, I was honorably discharged, and then I joined the US Army
as a medic. It was quite a different experience! What was I thinking? I was attached
to several units, one of which I am most proud of was the 75th Ranger Regiment 2nd
Battalion as a medic. Nothing but fun times there.

- Medic Gary VanWinkleUS Air Force and ArmyEducational Technical Support Technician, IT

"I come from a military family. My husband was a medic in the Army, his PA was one
of the reasons why I chose to be a PA. I chose to be an Army National Guard PA specifically
because we have a dual mission to support stateside and federal missions. I have
previously participated in wildfire relief efforts. I'm currently in charge of a Troop
Medical Center on a deployment to the Middle East for 6 months."

I joined the US Army in February of 1976 while in my senior year of high school in
New Richmond, WI. My high school counselor recommended that I join. 10 days later,
I was at Ft. Lenard Wood, MO for basic training. I was trained in basic combat and
as a field wireman. I was then stationed at a small munitions supply depot in Germany
for 3 years during the height of the cold war. Although I served during a time of
peace, we were in a constant time of readiness. I enjoyed my time in the Army and
gained a rank of Specialist 4. When I was discharged, I remained in Germany for another
3 years and France for 6 months.

- Specialist 4 Robert MullinsUS ArmyFacilities

After attending college on an Army ROTC scholarship, I entered active duty as an Army
Nurse and married the company commander at Eisenhower Army Medical Center. I later
became a burn/trauma nurse at Brooke Army Medical Center, where our daughter currently
serves in the same trauma unit!. I valued taking a different career path than my high
school and college peers. But the main reason why I wanted to serve this country was
to continue our family tradition of military service for the past 5 generations! Go
Army! Go Nurse Corps!

- Terrye Moore-HarperUS Army Nurse CorpsAssistant Professor, SON

I currently serve in the U.S. Army Reserves with a program for medical students. After
medical training, I will then serve as an Army Physician. The biggest reason that
inspired me to serve is my younger brother. When I took my oath, my brother was deployed
with the U.S. Army in support of Operation Inherent Resolve. If anything would have
happened to him while deployed, my family placed our trust in military physicians
to make sure he got home. My inspiration is to serve those who serve. I serve to help
make sure everyone’s siblings come home to their families.

- 2nd Lieutenant Dylan ClabaughUS ArmyCOM 2020

I served the United States of America as a Second Class Petty Officer in the United
States Navy/Reserve. I was a volunteer service member during one of the longest peacetime
periods we have had since WWII (1983-1989). I was based out of NAS Alameda at Attack
Squadron VA-304 working on A7 and A-6 Jet Aircraft as an Avionics Technician and was
also assigned duties as the Squadron Training Petty Officer assisting other sailors
with access to professional development courses for advancement.

My inspiration was to serve as my grandfather, father, cousin, that had served during
WWII, Korean and Vietnam conflicts and to broaden my technical skills.

- AT2 John (Jack) MadderraUS Navy and ReserveNetwork Manager, IT

"I enlisted in the USAF after graduating from high school and served for 10 years.
I had family members who were service members and grew up in a military area so it
seemed like a natural fit. I was inspired by the opportunity to serve side by side
with a variety of people from all different cultures and travel the world. Being
deployed as part of Operation Enduring Freedom after the 9/11 attacks lent a whole
new perspective about the gravity of serving and what the job truly entails. I have
the utmost respect for those who wear the uniform."